Studio Policies
Tuition
Each month typically includes three private lessons and one group lesson. Tuition is due at the first lesson of the month. I ask that you pay in 4-month periods, and those are Sep-Dec, Jan-April, and May-Aug. Tuition for 1 student using 30 minute lessons is $302 for 4 months. If you are unable to pay for 4 months at a time, please ask about monthly payments.
Monthly tuition:
Make-Up Lessons and Absences
Lesson Etiquette
Online Lessons
Lessons via Zoom or Skype are available but will only be used if a student, member of the student’s immediate family, or Krista is sick. Online lessons may also be used in the case of inclement weather or for a make-up lesson, at Krista's discretion. Please do not use online lessons for personal convenience as it causes schedule changes and is not as beneficial to the student as an in-person lesson.
Group Lessons & Performance Classes
For all students in all locations, group lessons are held at the Holton First Christian Church usually on the fourth Friday of the month. Group lessons are required and are part of your tuition. Occasionally there are months without a group lesson, but it will be replaced with a private lesson. Every other month instead of a group lesson we have a performance class where each student performs a solo.
Parent Meetings
Parent meetings are usually scheduled for the fourth week of the month, and currently are online on Zoom. The purpose of these meetings is to create a community within the studio and have time for the teacher and parents to discuss important topics outside of the normal lesson time. Topics at parent meetings will be how to help your child practice at home, common challenges with practicing, how to increase motivation, etc. These meetings will also give parents a chance to help other families in the studio, ask questions, gain advice from other Suzuki parents. Please plan to attend these helpful meetings!
Recitals
Each year there is a:
Recital Attire: For solo recitals the student should dress up nicely. For group performances students should wear a white shirt and blank pants/skirt. For recitals with the Topeka Suzuki Strings students will need to wear the blue TSS t-shirt (buy from Krista) and blank pants/skirt.
Special Needs and Diversity
Students will special needs are welcome in my studio. Please let me know how I can accommodate your student to be successful in music. Krista’s Music Studio does not discriminate anyone in regard to race, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, or disability, and all students and parents will be treated with respect.
Withdrawal Policy
Student Dismissal
A student will be dismissed from lessons if:
Each month typically includes three private lessons and one group lesson. Tuition is due at the first lesson of the month. I ask that you pay in 4-month periods, and those are Sep-Dec, Jan-April, and May-Aug. Tuition for 1 student using 30 minute lessons is $302 for 4 months. If you are unable to pay for 4 months at a time, please ask about monthly payments.
Monthly tuition:
- 1 student - 30 minutes: $76, 45 minutes: $104
- 2 students - 45 minutes: $114, 60 minutes: $152
- 3 students - 60 minutes: $152, 75 minutes: $189, 90 minutes: $228
- 4 students - 105 minutes: $266, 120 minutes: $304
- How to Pay: I accept check, cash, or online through PayPal, Venmo, or CashApp.
- Additional Student Family Discounts: You receive $10 per month per additional student! If you have 4 or more students (must use at least 120 minutes of weekly private lessons) you get $10 off each student.
- Referrals: If you refer a new student to me and they sign up for one month of lessons, you receive one month of lessons for free (or up to $76 off if your monthly tuition is more than $76).
- Annual Fee: An annual fee that is equivalent to 1 lesson is part of the December tuition (no group in Dec, just 3 private lessons). This is used to pay for accompanists, printing costs, lesson materials, recital location rental, and other costs outside of lessons.
- Fairview, KS Location: There is an additional monthly fee for lessons in Fairview to cover mileage costs, based on how many students are at that location.
- Additional Time: If you think more lesson time would be beneficial for you, please ask! Students in Book 3 and above should have a 45 minute or one hour lesson each week.
Make-Up Lessons and Absences
- Please inform me as early as possible if you must miss a lesson or need to reschedule. I must receive a 12-hour notice before your lesson if you wish to cancel or reschedule. If I am not notified within 12 hours of your lesson or you do not come to a lesson, you will be expected to pay tuition for that lesson.
- Please do not come to your lesson if you are sick. I will offer make-up lessons for when you are sick.
- If I need to reschedule a lesson at anytime, you will be offered a make-up lesson or credit towards the next month if we are not able to reschedule.
Lesson Etiquette
- Please arrive 5 minutes before your lesson time to unpack your instrument and to maximize your lesson time. If you are late, I will not go over your scheduled time. In Holton, please wait in the lobby or room near the bathroom until the previous lesson is finished and the door to the lesson room is open.
- Please avoid using your phone during lessons unless for lesson notes or for emergencies.
- Siblings are welcome, but please provide them with quiet entertainment.
Online Lessons
Lessons via Zoom or Skype are available but will only be used if a student, member of the student’s immediate family, or Krista is sick. Online lessons may also be used in the case of inclement weather or for a make-up lesson, at Krista's discretion. Please do not use online lessons for personal convenience as it causes schedule changes and is not as beneficial to the student as an in-person lesson.
Group Lessons & Performance Classes
For all students in all locations, group lessons are held at the Holton First Christian Church usually on the fourth Friday of the month. Group lessons are required and are part of your tuition. Occasionally there are months without a group lesson, but it will be replaced with a private lesson. Every other month instead of a group lesson we have a performance class where each student performs a solo.
Parent Meetings
Parent meetings are usually scheduled for the fourth week of the month, and currently are online on Zoom. The purpose of these meetings is to create a community within the studio and have time for the teacher and parents to discuss important topics outside of the normal lesson time. Topics at parent meetings will be how to help your child practice at home, common challenges with practicing, how to increase motivation, etc. These meetings will also give parents a chance to help other families in the studio, ask questions, gain advice from other Suzuki parents. Please plan to attend these helpful meetings!
Recitals
Each year there is a:
- Topeka Suzuki Strings group performance in Topeka
- Spring Recital at the Holton First Christian Church (usually in April or May)
- Fall Recital at the Holton First Christian Church (usually in Nov.)
- Christmas Performances (Dec.)
Recital Attire: For solo recitals the student should dress up nicely. For group performances students should wear a white shirt and blank pants/skirt. For recitals with the Topeka Suzuki Strings students will need to wear the blue TSS t-shirt (buy from Krista) and blank pants/skirt.
Special Needs and Diversity
Students will special needs are welcome in my studio. Please let me know how I can accommodate your student to be successful in music. Krista’s Music Studio does not discriminate anyone in regard to race, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, or disability, and all students and parents will be treated with respect.
Withdrawal Policy
- Sometimes it’s time to move on to a different teacher or instrument, another activity or just time to “take a break.” If finances are an issue causing you to stop taking lessons, please talk to me as I can offer several options.
- Studio policy for withdrawals from lessons is as follows:
- A written notice must be submitted to me from the student or parent at least two weeks in advance of your departure from lessons. I also encourage you to speak to me in person or over the phone about your decision. It is important to end well even if you choose to withdraw, so I require ONE “farewell” lesson (even if you withdraw during holiday or summer break) so the student and teacher can have a solid and happy closure from their lesson experience.
- If the student (or parent) initiates the withdrawal, a refund will be made as follows: tuition for the remainder of the current month (or minimum of two weeks) will still be charged. Any pre-paid tuition for remaining months in the period will be refunded to the parent.
Student Dismissal
A student will be dismissed from lessons if:
- The student cancels or misses four weeks of lessons in a row. (This does not apply to weeks with no lessons due to holidays or breaks.)
- The student does not practice for 5 out of 8 weeks.
- The student does not cooperate in lessons, is disrespectful to the teacher, or repetitively does not meet the student expectations listed on page 3 of this handbook.